title: Microscopic colitis: a therapeutic challenge.
abstract: The treatment of microscopic colitis is mainly based on the use of budesonide, the only drug found effective in controlled clinical trials. After an initial course at a dose of 9 mg daily, however, most patients relapse when the drug is discontinued, hence a maintenance therapy at doses of 6 mg daily or lower is necessary. In order to avoid steroid dependence and drug toxicity different pharmacological agents should be considered as an alternative to indefinite long-term budesonide treatment. Evidence-based guidelines are currently lacking due to the lack of conclusive data concerning the use of either immunosuppressive or anti-tumor necrosis factor agents. For the time being in clinical practice the skilled physician should therefore tailor long term management of microscopic colitis on the single patient.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guslandi
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D019819:Budesonide / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D046728:Colitis, Microscopic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012008:Recurrence; D012074:Remission Induction; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D019819:Budesonide
keywords: Budesonide; Immunosuppressants; Mesalazine; Microscopic colitis